CHIEF PLANNER
Organization: Westchester County Government
Website: https://www.westchestergov.com/
Posted: June 5, 2023 | Closing: June 9, 2023
Job Description
Westchester County Department of Planning is searching for an industry professional skilled in land use, zoning, and community development, to assist the County in a new era of sustainable, and equitable growth.
We will soon be embarking on an update of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. We’re looking for a dynamic communicator who can work with our 45 municipalities to understand how those municipal long-range plans will factor into our comprehensive plan. The Chief Planner is expected to help establish a vision of sustainability and growth for all of Westchester County’s residents, employers, and visitors; a vison that is sustainable and equitable.
About the position:
This position performs work under direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Planning, though broad discretion is given for managerial, professional, and technical job duties. The successful candidate will have extensive experience preparing comprehensive transportation plans and policies with a regional scope. The chief planner will take ownership of the update of The Comprehensive Plan process, participate in regional planning originations such as RPA, and lead) related technical studies. S/he will also have experience with managing teams, program design, budgeting, grant, and resource management. The candidate will have excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely with elected and appointed officials and stakeholders that represent a diverse geographic area. The candidate will have extensive knowledge of municipal planning regulations.
A regular day in this position might involve guiding staff in updating or developing new policies for consideration by the Planning Board, writing RFPs for consultants, communicating with consultants during project meetings for comprehensive plan update, reviewing grant funding, meeting with local officials about upcoming long-range planning efforts, leading a meeting with state or federal agencies, and preparing for monthly Planning Board meetings.
Job duties and responsibilities include:
• Communicate with municipal, regional, and state representatives about Westchester policies and programs.
• Manage planning grants and work program to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Participate in various regional committees and working groups.
• Recommend policies and actions to the Assistant Commissioner.
• Serve on Planning’s management team and coordinate the work of the division with other departmental divisions – housing, environment and design, land use, administration.
• Supervise Land Use and Development Planning staff, monitoring short-range and long-range studies and reports and evaluating job performance.
• Oversee work of consultants on department studies.
• Prepare land use portion of Planning’s budget and work program.
- Work closely with other departments in participation on Capital Work Group.
Working at Westchester County Planning:
Westchester County Planning staff consists of over 40 planners, designers, and support roles, in 5 divisions: Land Use and Development, Transportation, Housing and Community Development, Environment and Design, and Administration, all led by the Commissioner of Planning. The office is housed in the MOB Building located in downtown White Plains. Land Use and Development staff are responsible for comprehensive county-wide planning for its 45 municipalities in an advisory capacity. Staff evaluate zoning and land subdivision regulations; subdivisions, and development plans; and work on long-range plans. The Transportation Division staff participate in the Metropolitan Planning Organization, NYMTC, by participating on committees, coordinating with member agencies, on a variety of studies and topics such as bicycle and pedestrian plans, freight movement, transit, and electric vehicles.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, deferred compensation, paid leave, and retirement plan. A Work from Home Policy allowing one day per week may be granted after 6 months of employment.
About Westchester County:
Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of over a million. Originally home to Native Americans, who were members of the Lenape tribe, it is today a rich mix of many cultures and landscapes. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque towns as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. The County is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world changing non-profits, and cutting-edge research centers.
Please note that this position requires a background check and drug testing. If an offer of employment is made, it will be conditional, dependent on the outcome of that background check and drug testing and verification of education/professional credentials.
Education and Experience:
Minimum requirements:
Either: (a) Bachelor’s Degree* and seven years’ experience where the primary function was physical planning, four years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or (b) Bachelor’s Degree* in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Public Administration and six years of experience as defined in (a), four years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or (c) a satisfactory equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b). AICP certified, or capable of obtaining AICP Certification within one year of hire date. Valid NY State Driver’s License required.
SUBSTITUTIONS: A five-year Bachelor’s Degree* in Landscape Architecture or Architecture may be substituted for one year of the experience. A Master’s Degree* in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration or a related area of Planning may also be substituted at the rate of 30 credits* per year of experience for up to two years. Candidates must possess the supervisory experience.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or obtainable within one year of hire date, Membership in American Planning Association (APA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), or the Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
- Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and ArcGIS
How to Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and three references to:
Kelly Sheehan
Assistant Commissioner
Westchester County Department of Planning
148 Martine Ave, Room 422
White Plains, NY 10601
kisc@westchestercountyny.gov